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Child Care Scholarship

How to access, complete, and apply for the Child Care Scholarship program in Maryland.

What is the Maryland Child Care Scholarship Program?

The Maryland Child Care Scholarship (CCS) program assists eligible families in covering the costs of child care and early education services. Managed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), CCS offers financial support to families with children under 13 years old or individuals aged 13–19 with a qualifying disability. The program aims to make high-quality child care more accessible to working families, those in approved training programs, and students.​Maryland Early Childhood+2Maryland Early Childhood+2Maryland Early Childhood+2

How do I apply for the Maryland Child Care Scholarship?

To apply for the CCS program, follow these steps:​

  1. Create an Account: Visit the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal and register for a new account.

  2. Complete the Application: Fill out the fast-track online scholarship application.

  3. Submit Required Documents: Upload the following:

    • Proof of employment or enrollment in training/school

    • Proof of residency (e.g., utility bill, lease)

  4. Processing: Your application will be processed within three business days by CCS Central 2.

  5. Temporary Scholarship: If eligible, you'll receive a 60-day temporary scholarship while your full application is reviewed.​

How long does it take to receive funds from the Maryland Child Care Scholarship?

Once your application is processed, if eligible, you'll receive a temporary 60-day scholarship within three business days. This temporary assistance allows you to begin child care while your full application is being reviewed.

To transition to a full 52-week scholarship, additional documentation must be submitted within 15 days of the temporary scholarship's approval. The full scholarship's approval timeline varies based on documentation completeness and verification.

What do the application steps look like?

  1. Registration: Create an account on the Family Portal.

  2. Application Submission: Complete the fast-track application and upload required documents.

  3. Temporary Scholarship Issuance: Receive a 60-day temporary scholarship if eligible.

  4. Full Scholarship Application: Submit additional required documents within 15 days to be considered for a full 52-week scholarship.

  5. Eligibility Determination: CCS Central 2 reviews your full application and notifies you of the decision.​

What documentation is required when I fill out my application?

Proof of Employment or Enrollment

  • Recent pay stubs (last four weeks)

  • Employer verification letter detailing work schedule and salary

  • Proof of enrollment in an approved training program or school​

Proof of Residency

  • Utility bill (e.g., electric, gas, water)

  • Lease agreement​

Proof of Identity

  • Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license, passport)

  • Birth certificate or other identification for all household members​Maryland Early Childhood

Proof of Child's Immunization

FAQs

  1. Who is eligible for the CCS program?

    • Maryland residents who are employed, in an approved training program, or attending school.

    • Recipients of Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

    • Families meeting income guidelines.

    • Children under 13 or individuals aged 13–19 with a qualifying disability.​

  2. What is the income eligibility for the CCS program?

    • Income limits vary based on family size. For example, a family of 4 has an initial income limit of $111,936. ​

  3. Can I use the scholarship for any child care provider?

    • The provider must be registered or licensed in Maryland and participate in the Maryland EXCELS program.​

  4. What happens if I don't submit the required documents on time?

    • Failure to submit necessary documents within the specified time frame may result in the denial or delay of your scholarship application.​

  5. How can I check the status of my application?

    • Log in to the Family Portal to view your application status and receive updates.

Who do I contact about my application status?

Child Care Scholarship Central 2 (CCS Central 2)

Phone Number: 1-877-227-0125

Family Portal: https://family.childcareportals.org​


For more information and resources, visit the Child Care Scholarship Program page.

If you have any questions and would like to speak with a Mirza Applications Specialist, please email support@heymirza.com